Owner Scott Soifer performing during our weekly open mic | Photo credit: Mario Fierro
About PG Juice n’ Java
PG’s Meetinghouse
JnJ was founded by Frank Morris in 1993. He created a spot he thought of as Pacific Grove’s Living Room – a large, inviting space (a former bank!) in one of the oldest buildings in town. He succeeded for 30 years by filling our space with great coffee, tea, chai, and baked goods – and providing comfy sofas and tables for regulars and visitors alike. JnJ has been an institution, a hub for local folks to study, hold group meetings and event parties, play music and generally enjoy each other with a distinct PG Vibe!
I took over in 2023 – I’m Scott Soifer and I live in Pacific Grove. A regular since it opened, I started performing at our Friday Open Mics. An offhand conversation with Frank led him to suggest I buy the place – and here I am!! I have no Shop experience (!) so am relying on Love, Karma and Hustle as I find my way. What a journey so far!
Our motto for JnJ is “For PG, By PG” – we are committed to our current customers, community and vibe. We want to build on who we are by being open more Evenings for Live Music, Trivia and other Game Nights, and make our space available for Private Events. We want to embrace PG’s Chautauqua Spirit and all the things that make our town so special. We are committed to quality and will continue to get our foods and beverages from the best local sources we can!
Looking west down Lighthouse Ave. from Fountain Ave., Pacific Grove 1901 | Photo credit: C.K. Tuttle
About Pacific Grove, California
After the Civil War, small-town America looked forward to appearances by a variety of Touring Entertainments. A Circus, an Acting Troupe, a Vaudeville Show – all might come to town! Along with those, The Chautauqua Society would tour. Like an 1870’s live TED Talk, the Chautauquans would lecture on Self-Reliance, Personal Empowerment (especially for Woman - prominent Suffragettes were members and lecturers) – and Adult Education.
When the West Coast Tour was done for the summer, they came to Pacific Grove, founded in 1875 after obtaining the land from David “Monterey” Jacks (yes, the Cheese is named after him). The Chautauquans would arrive, check their heavy canvas tents out from Chautauqua Hall (still at 17th & Central), and set them up in their designated spot to refresh for a couple of months by the ocean before heading back out.
PG quickly established itself as unique - In between the Bohemian artists in Carmel and the lawless varmints and, by the 1900’s, the stinky canneries in Monterey, and, it’s no wonder that the locals would say “Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey-by-the-Smell and Pacific Grove by God.” We hope you enjoy our unique culture here at the tip of the Monterey Peninsula!